Numidia Mennonite Bible School - Reflector Yearbook (Numidia, PA)

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FORMATION AND INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES Our Bible is truly a marvelous piece of work It was written over a period of 12001500 years by forty different writers and yet has perfect unity In our study we discovered that the Bible IS the complete Revelation of God In its inspiration God gave the writer the words but did not bypass the individuals Our Bible came as a progressive Rev elation The facts were passed by word of mouth from Adam to Moses From that time on it was written in various sections at different times until finally Ezra according to tradition compiled what we presently know as the Old Testa ment May our hearts be grounded in the faith so we can give answer to the reason of the hope that is in us which hope IS in the promise of eternal life Thelma Baer ORDINANCES An ordinance is an established outward ceremony with an inward spiritual s1gn1f mandments and suggestions given by a holy God to be observed by a holy people Ordinances are valuable to stir the emotions instruct the mind and help to keep our practices consistent with our doctrine In the Bible we find several different types of ordinances In the Old Testament 7 7 , . . . . , . . . . . .- ersonalit . icance. Bible ordinances are hol com- P . . U , u 0 u q ' , ' l 7 , J I 0 , 5 X ' . , 1 ' 0 , I 9 The New Testament as we know it was given similarly and came into circu- lation in the first several centuries A.D. In 397 A.D. the Council of Carthage officially ratified what was already considered the New Testament canon. Truly we ought to be grateful to God for the way he has preserved his Word in spite of attempts to destroy it. -Kenneth Good EIGHTEEN ARTICLES OF FAITH What do you believe? Why do you do what you do? These questions face each Christian as he moves in today's society. The Mennonite faith, as we practice it, emerged under severe persecution as men searched the Scriptures during the Re- formation period. We believe that Godis Word was given to man by His Spirit. God, great and- eternal, is revealed in three persons: the Father, sovereign, the Son, our Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our indwelling Com- forter. God in mercy promised a Redeemer, who came in the form of his Son, died for man's sin, and rose again to bring salvation. After repentance from sin, we become a part of the church, whose calling is to be separate and to .administer discipline and the ordinances. there were Jewish ordinances for Gods people to keep. There were pagan ordin- ances that God commanded his people to abstain from. In Jesus' day, those who observed man-made ordinances were said to worship God in vain. As we obey the seven ordinances that are based on scriptural principle today, we will be greatly blessed. Jesus' words in John 13:17 are: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. -Cindy Martin SATAN AND HIS FORCES Enemies! Where? What are they doing? All who begin the Christian walk encounter Satan and his power. Our studies began with Satan's original state, his fall, and his attempts to lead man into sin. We observed his continual conflict with truth, noting his tactics, char- acteristics, allies, and all that comprises his realm. We observed some of his accom- plishments, and methods by which he de- ceives humanity. As we investigate, it becomes evident that we face a formidable foe. Our enemy is very real, very busy, and utterly cruelg so we must beware, lest we underestimate or make light of his power. The power within the believer is greaterlthan that of our adversary, and can deliver us from his clutches. Satanic rule is one of titanic oppression, and its reward is indescribable torment. 27

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Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, not as a slave, but as a Christian brother. Unheard of? Probably. But Paul was count- ing on him to do even more. Can we be counted on for like obedience? Paul closes with greetings to his faith- ful friends. -Mary Lois Eshbach -l- REVELATION The book of Revelation consists of the unveiling of Jesus Christ. This revelation was given in three distinct parts, outlined in 1:19. In the first part of the revelation we see a vision of the glorified Christ. Follow- PSECTICN Il - BI SEPARATION g Godhas called his children to be sep- arate from the world in every phase of life. Since we have been born again, our motives and goals are changed, and our affection is set on things above instead of on earthly possessions. The Christian finds separation to be a satisfying way of life. Business, education, social life, marriage, and attire are not engaged in for the exultation and promotion of- self, but rather to honor and glorify God. I We also find that we are not to become involved in the world's organizations, politics, and carnal warfare, because we belong to the heavenly kingdom. Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. I Peter 1:16. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 816. -Elizabeth Showalter 26 ing this vision we have a picture of then existing situations. This picture is portrayed in messages of commendation and con- demnation to the seven churches of Asia. Embodied in the third part, we see a vision of things that shall be hereafter. In this portion we have a background scene of the church in glory, as God closes his controversy with the universe. The bottled- up judgments of God are poured out on the earth without mixture. These judgments will finally culminate in the overthrow of Satan and his kingdom. There is a bright side to this book, how- ever, because there are those who repent and turn to God. We, too, can be over- comers as we -keep the sayings of the pro- phecy of this book. -David Sensenig B L E D 0 C T R I N E NONRESISTANCE What is nonresistance? We generally think of it as being that of nonparticipation in the military, or not ,getting revenge when someone mistreats us. That is right, but is not the only area that relates to the Christian life. ' ' In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus in- troduces and explains this doctrine. It is a way of life and an attitude of the mind. It applies and reaches into our daily walk of life. We submit ourselves to the things which God allows to come into our lives to test us in this area. How do we treat our brother? Do we hold grudges? ,How do we use our tongue? The scripture gives us practical advice on the use of the tongue in James. , WC, who have been redeemed by His own. precious blood, should, out of deep gratitude and love for Him, seek to live the nonresistant life He has exemplified. -Vernon Kurtz -1 fu-ss.. ,ff -, ff., - .., .-I .. ,V ,,,,, , ..- .Y ,r,.,,,.,.-:.1..,7y --.-71-T-xfxvl ' -1--1 fi- -ff--if:-if.'?f? '-vi-.-lf:-5-U-1175 .-mime... -ff ' 4 1 , t' V ' 'Mr' 0 Q' ' . f .4 ' 2 - .gg-A.--f-1. ,,.-sf..-:1..,.'-,.1Y1f.--jg ' c - ' ., .,.. T x 1- k

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We must diligently study. God's Word so we are not ignorant of his devices and succumb to his deception. -Nelson Torkelson PERSON AND WGRK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me. This was our prayer as we entered this study, with the Word as our textbook and the Spirit as His own interpreter. We moved through the Old and New Testaments, observing His workings in the lives of men. In the Old Testament the Spirit is seen chiefly when leaders or prophets needed power for a specific task. In the New Test- ament era however, Jesus promised a Com- forter to take His place that would dwell within His people. ' A The initial arrival of the Spirit was ac- companiedby flames of fire and speaking in tongues. Today there is no longer any need for this, since the Church is estab- lished and proven. The Spirit works quiet- ly, but just as powerfully now as in the beginning. His comforting and loving per- sonality is seen in the lives of believers. The Spiritis place in the Godhead is to reveal the Father and Son to sincere seek- ers. Q As we studied the eternal Spirit, we became more aware of the wonderful place He fills and are grateful to the Son for sending Him into our lives. - Joyce Eshbach GRACE, FAITH AND WDRKS Grace is the unmerited favor of God, which hath appeared to allmen. It teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly in this present evil world. Grace brings us salvation and is the source of faith. It comes by Jesus Christ. We need grace even after the new birth to sustain us through difficult experiences. We need to be looking diligently lest we fail of this grace. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seenf' Faith comes by hearing, by feeding on the Word, 28 by asking for it, and by the Spirit dwelling within. The objectives of our Christian faith are: God, Christ, and His Word. As we walk by faith, we receive many bless- ings. Our works are the result of faith, and by them we will be condemned or acquitted on the judgment day. -Daniel Stover But Gbdliness with contentment is' great gain. 1 ETERNAL ABSOLUTES In the midst of confusion, it is reassuring to know that we serve a God who is un- changeable and indisputable. Our God is three distinct personalities, yet but one God. The Father is God over us, the Son is God for us, and the Holy Spirit is God in us. Because God is eternal, His Word is also eternal, and is current for every age and culture. We believe the Word is inerrant in its original writings, and is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Man is also an eternal being, in that while he was created, he will live eternally. Man was placed in the eternal stream of life, when God breathed into him the breath of life. Angels are also eternal beings. Satan as a fallen angel, is controlling the spirit of this world. Every soul that is won to Christ is a direct defeat to the devil, and a triumph to God. Despite the fact that the devil appears to be gaining' many victories, righteousness .will 'ultimately be vindicated. ' - Daryl Bair When we work with God, He takes the heaviest part of the load. . ' - f fl -343771?l?'-4 fTfi-141,13,x-gggj-,.-:A-r ., I ,